Silly escapist comedy at 2nd Story

By Don Fowler
Posted 2/23/17

I’m walking out of the downstairs theatre at 2nd Story, when longtime theatre critic/director/teach-er/actor Tony Annicone reminds me that I reviewed this same play, “Murder at the Howard …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Silly escapist comedy at 2nd Story

Posted

I’m walking out of the downstairs theatre at 2nd Story, when longtime theatre critic/director/teach-er/actor Tony Annicone reminds me that I reviewed this same play, “Murder at the Howard Johnson’s,” which he directed, back in 1983.

I looked up my old Beacon/Herald review and found that I called it “dumb but funny tongue-in-cheek look at marriage and affairs.” Thirty-three years later it still is “dumb but funny,” although by today’s standards the humor seems a bit dated and sophomoric.

But the audience laughed and had a good time watching the two-act, 80-minute comedy that director Ed Shea refers to as a “shamelessly silly, ferociously funny farce.” Shea told the audience that we need a play like this after the year we have suffered through, and maybe he’s right.

I have also seen the play performed at two dinner theatres and consider it to be dinner theatre material. Nevertheless, Shea has recruited three talented actors to play the silly roles.

Lara Hakeem plays Arlene, a married woman having an affair with her dentist (Wayne Kneeland). Under false pretense, they invite her husband, Paul (Michael McAdam), to their motel room at Howard Johnson’s where, if he refuses to give Arlene a divorce, they plan to kill him. The plan is a disaster.

Move ahead six months, where back in the same motel room, Arlene realizes that her affair is a failure and plans to commit suicide. The tables are turned, as husband and wife now plan to kill the lover.

The final act has the two men back at the motel planning to kill Arlene. It all ends with more silliness.

This ain’t Shakespeare, folks, but if you want a diversion from today’s headlines, you’ll find it in Warren. You’ll also hear some of the corniest dentist jokes ever written.

Once again, Max Ponticelli has created a perfect set in the intimate space, while Ron Cesario adds some ’70s costumes.

“Murder at Howard Johnson’s” lives on through March 12 at 2nd Story Theatre. Call 247-4200. Tickets are $35 ($25 for under 25).

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here